If this issue of All Stitched Up! was to be summed up in one word, we’re thinking ‘rare’ might be apt.

We have a collection of articles to follow, that are rare in a range of different ways. From rare techniques, rare product releases, rare finds that our readers share, and a beautiful tribute to one of those truly rare people who made the world more beautiful just by being here with us.

May the enjoyment you receive from this week’s issue be far from rare…

Today we have a HUGE treat for anyone who is interested in smocking, as we’re announcing the release of the new, but not brand new, book Learn to Smock.

Let’s set the scene…

Smocking is a traditional embroidery technique used to gather fabric in a decorative manner. It’s popularity, like any fashion, has waxed and waned over the years, and for a period during the 1980s and 1990s it was hot property.

So much so, we even published an entire magazine series called ‘Australian Smocking & Embroidery’ that than ran for 100 issues.

Having published well over 1,000 smocked designs and numerous patterns over the years including books such as A-Z Smocking and A-Z Sewing for Smockers, we have a vast resource library to share.

One of the most popular smocking publications we ever released was a small, handy reference booklet simply called Learn to Smock, which covered off all the basics of smocking.

At this point in the story, we need to give a special shout out to Sandra Tedesco from the New South Wales Smocking Arts Guild, here in Australia. When the Learn to Smock booklet went out of print, Sandra championed to have more printed. This, in turn, spurred our production team into action with an idea - how about we take this little booklet and give it a makeover!

After patiently waiting a very long time, Sandra’s wish has come true and we now present to you the brand new version of Learn to Smock for all to enjoy.

Learn to Smock includes all the essential information you need to begin your journey to create exquisite smocking, from choosing fabric to working accent stitches, with each technique fully explained through easy-to-follow and practical step-by-step diagrams.

Could this compact, potent little book, help fan the flames of the smocking resurgence? We’ll let you be the judge of that…

Arranging your threads can be a bit like herding cats – they are lovely to look at and lovely to hold, but try and get them to do what you want and look out!

Here are a few handy gadgets we’ve found to help make your herding a little easier… not suitable for cats though!

It’s been a while since we last released one of our older projects as a digital pattern, but this week Inspirations issue #28 has been getting some love.

Out of the 10 projects that feature in issue #28, five have been released thus far and today, we’re adding number six!

Earthly Possessions by Carolyn Pearce is an organza sachet featuring a circlet of pink ribbon roses and mauve pansies.

Our favourite element of this project has to be the dainty rosebuds stitched onto each end of the ribbon.

Click below to add Earthly Possessions to your digital library today.

‘I will never forget my talented sister, whom I loved and admired so much. Now I can marvel at the work she has left behind as part of the history of sewing.’ This is a remarkable story Kathy, we’re so grateful you have taken the time to share with us Ronda’s memories and her talented sister’s samples. The collection of samples is wonderful to see, they have been so well stitched and we’re grateful that Glenda’s achievements have been safely stored and preserved for us to appreciate all these years later. Thank you!

‘When I attended the primary grades in elementary school, one of my classmates regularly wore smocked dresses. Her Mother, a British war bride, taught her skills to her and taught many others to smock.’

‘My mother, a Scottish lass, came alone to Canada in 1931 at the age of 21. I think she was a very brave young woman. She crocheted, smocked, knit and sewed. The above photo is of my older sister and me wearing satin smocked blouses.’

‘This dress and jacket, with a matching dolls outfit, is similar to several others I have made for friends’ grandchildren. One was sent to Norway, but these were for my 91-year-old friend.’ Anne, we love that you are passionate about smocking and are making such beautiful garments for the grandchildren of your friends. These smocked pieces truly are a treasured gift for anyone who receives them, and the matching doll outfits are amazing. We only wish someone made matching outfits for us and our dolls back when we were children!

‘The rest evolved as I made it. The sweetest part is the little black beads for the ladybugs' eyes, which came out my grandmothers sewing box.’

Sue, your romper is so cute! The motifs are perfect, and your smocking is just lovely. Has your friend got a stitching story they should share with us? Have you made smocked dolls clothes? Or have you received a brief like Sue for projects for family members?!

Whatever you are stitching, we’d love to see it! Email photos of what you’ve created with needle and thread along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com

Writing a tribute for someone is never easy. Especially when they have achieved so much, meant so much to so many, and been so loved. And now they’ve left us.

Margaret Light passed away in January this year and today we’re going to try our best to fashion some words together, into what will hopefully be a fitting tribute to honour this remarkable person.

You know, one of those people you meet that you instantly feel their warmth, you feel totally accepted and it’s as if you’ve been friends forever. Easy to talk to, no pretence, just loveliness.

But that wasn’t her only superpower. Oh no… that girl could stitch! And teach. And design. And how!

While mostly renowned for creating intricate traditional crewelwork pieces, Margaret’s design repertoire was in fact quite diverse.

Today we’re also celebrating the release of Margaret’s design ‘Arts & Crafts Hellebore’ from Inspirations magazine issue #121.

Before we get to that, will you indulge us a little as we share with you some of Margaret’s story? Many of you know that we have had the great honour of publishing her work for the past 20+ years starting way back in Inspirations magazine issue #28, through to capturing her legacy in two books A Fine Tradition 1 and A Fine Tradition 2.

Here is an extract from the introduction to A Fine Tradition 1 where Margaret talks about her journey as an embroiderer:

‘It was not until I reached my late thirties that I seriously discovered embroidery. I became part of a small group of neighbours and friends who met weekly to sew while our children were at school. A friend and I decided we would like to learn more, joined the Embroiderers’ Guild of New South Wales and enrolled in their Basic Course that gave us a wonderful grounding in eight different techniques.’

Fittingly, Margaret has given us a segue there to talk about her stunning project ‘Arts & Crafts Hellebore’ that features in, and on the front cover of, Inspirations magazine issue #121.

The principles and characteristics of the 19th century Arts and Crafts Movement have had a positive and lasting effect on design and this beautiful study of the striking hellebore is a testament to the enduring appeal of this style.

In this piece, intertwining stems of hellebore have been artfully re-created following the principles of this much-loved design movement.

What a perfect finale to end a career – designing a project in a style that has enduring appeal using her famous trademark crewel technique approach, celebrating an evergreen, perennial flowering plant.

It all speaks so beautifully of Margaret’s remarkable contribution to the world of needlework.

Margaret, the beauty you created through your needle and thread stands as evergreens on display for all to appreciate and enjoy forever.

Your work, your influence and your inspiration will live on well past your time here on earth.

Farewell.

We have all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, from easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions to a Ready-to-Stitch kit with everything sourced for you.

Strawberry Still Life by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition 2 is an appliqué bowl embellished with blue embroidery, overflowing with luscious strawberries worked with needlelace.

Redwork Pincushion & Chatelaine by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition is a barrel pincushion and chatelaine comprising scissor sheath and fob, thimble pod and strawberry emery.

Fieldflowers in a Bowl by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition 2 features vibrant sunflowers, poppy and cornflowers, enhanced with raised embroidery techniques, displayed in a ceramic bowl.

Rosehip Needlecase by Margaret Light from A Fine Tradition is a pretty case with needlepages and pockets, featuring floral designs inspired by Indian block prints.

Become part of the Inspirations family by subscribing to the magazine... we'd love to have you join us!

These quality yet affordable Klasse scissors will assist you to get the everyday jobs done with ease.

Counted thread workbox that opens to reveal delightful needlework accessories.

Subtly coloured sparrows amongst delicate flowers and foliage.

~ Abraham Lincoln ~

For a list of upcoming needlework events, click HERE.